This year, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra turns 50 and to celebrate, it will be offering free community concerts. The Jazz in the Community series will be in partnership with the Sammons Center for the Arts, an innovative incubator for arts organizations in the city.

The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (GDYO) was founded in 1972. The nonprofit organization is made up of parents, educators, and musicians. The program serves over 465 talented young musicians from different backgrounds across the metroplex who perform in nine ensembles.

The free concerts will take place in areas considered underserved, where there is generally no access or exposure to the arts.

“It’s important to me because I’m a GDYO alum and the first time I was inspired to play with the ensemble as a kid was seeing them play in the community, that n wasn’t in the concert hall, and I hope to inspire many kids to come and play with GDYO,” said Cathy Hernandez, CEO of GDYO.

“Jazz in the Community” Series

• Saturday May 7, 2022; 11:30 a.m. – Renner Frankford Branch Library (6400 Frankford Rd., Dallas, TX 75252)
• Saturday, May 7, 2022; 2:30 p.m. – Beckley-Saner Recreation Center (114 W Hobson Ave., Dallas, TX 75224)
• Saturday May 28, 2022; 2:00 p.m. – Pleasant Grove Branch Library (7310 Lake June Rd., Dallas, TX 75217)